Punjab cracks down on illegal housing schemes

The Punjab government has intensified its action against illegal housing societies, making its first major arrest in Lahore.

The move comes as part of a broader crackdown launched in the wake of the devastating floods.

According to the , the owner of a private housing scheme was taken into custody after evidence surfaced linking him to large-scale financial irregularities.

Officials said the scheme, spread over 11,000 kanal near Thokar, had been developed illegally and caused massive losses to the public.

Director General of the department, Sohail Zafar Chattha, revealed that the detained developer had enjoyed support from certain Lahore Development Authority (LDA) officials when setting up the project.

He is also accused of transferring around Rs8 billion to Dubai.

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Chattha said that notices had been sent to both the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) and the LDA, directing them to provide records of housing schemes, particularly those built around the Ravi River.

Floodwaters recently submerged one such private society near Chuhang, damaging properties, including the residence of actress Arifa Siddiqui.

The DG added that investigations are being expanded to hold all responsible parties accountable. He assured that efforts will be made to recover money from such projects and return it to citizens who were deceived.